Arsenal Icon Henry Claims Arteta ‘Deserved a Trophy’ in Past Three Years

Thierry Henry, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and former captain, believes Arsenal should have secured some silverware over the last three seasons.

Since taking the helm in 2019, former midfielder Mikel Arteta has successfully revitalised Arsenal, yet he’s only managed to clinch one significant piece of silverware during his tenure—the FA Cup in 2020.

Arsenal has finished as runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive years, putting up a strong fight against Manchester City on two occasions but ultimately falling well behind Liverpool this time around.

They exited the Champions League during the semi-finals, having previously made it to the quarter-finals the year before, and were also eliminated in the League Cup’s semi-finals.

“While I’m not outright disappointed in Arsenal, it’s understandable that questions are being raised about the team’s recent performance,” Henry, 47, expressed during an interview on the Stick to Football podcast.

“I recognise that when a new manager comes in, the squad isn’t necessarily his. It usually takes a minimum of three or four transfer windows to effectuate the desired changes.

“Patience is essential, and it’s vital to allow a manager the time needed to achieve his vision.

“Over the past three years, Arsenal has been in a position where they ought to have at least captured one trophy or reached a final.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s northern London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, ended a 17-year trophy drought with their recent Europa League triumph, while Newcastle United broke a long-standing dry spell by securing the League Cup. Crystal Palace achieved their first major trophy in history by winning the FA Cup.

Even Manchester United, despite their struggles in recent seasons, have managed to secure trophies, including last season’s FA Cup and the 2022/23 League Cup.

“In the past five years, Manchester United has reached five finals, yet the Arsenal of recent years hasn’t managed to reach even one,” Henry remarked.

“This is why I comprehend the frustration when fans pose the question, ‘Shouldn’t you be aiming for a trophy?'”